Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon
The 1934-Summer Season
1 June through 31 July 1934
Compiled by Chas. Evans

Following the precedent set by various members of the Bird Glub since 1929, an attempt has been made in the -following pages to condense the most important nesting data acquired by members of the organization in their forays hither and yon through the prairies, marshes and forests of our state during the past season. 1 Reports of 23 observers were received m1d to each l)f those cooP erators not only the writer but also all who in the future make use of this data aro deeply indebted. Their names appear with the individual records and are given in full tho fil•st timo only.

The original reports will be placed on file in the Museum of Natural History of the University of lldnnesota, vrhore any who wish to investigate the wealth of information contained in them can do so at any time in the future. A total of 146 species are included in this year's report. Of these, 130 represent records of actual nests found, the largest list of any year thus frar. This year' s work is, ho11wver, not only fruitful in nutnber or species but also in t.he quality of reports. Records of the first nests ever found in the state for two species, Cerulean Warbler and Grinnell's vJator-Thrush, are included. No nests of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher have been reported since 1895, according to Dr. Roberts in the, "Birds of Minnesota", but Hiemenz and Hanson found tho bird nesting at st.

Cloud this year, considerably north of whore it has been expected to brood. Two nests of the BlaCk-throated Blue vfurbler, as well as one occupied and two unoccupied nests of tho Ol:ive-backed Thrnsh add considerably to the report. Records for KrideJ~1 s Hawk, ~-: Sandhill Crone, King Rail-Piping Plover will be oJ~ exceptional interest to Minnesota. bird-chasers.

Only Minnesota records of occupied nests are included, except where there is only one or no other reccrd for the species, or where a recorcl is of oxceptiono.l interest. v1hen no locality is given, the record is for the Twin-City area (including Foft Snelling).

It, in perusing the following po.ges, the roo.der should find o.ny.. thing not essential to a. concise, scientific repor1~J' the m'iter begs h~s forgiveness, for in organizing and condens~.ng such o. ma.ss ~t date as was reported, one now and then becomes somewhat weary.

At such times the compiler's nU.nd is prone to wander, and with ~esistance at a low ebb (in spite of the best of intentions), his pencil is likely to scribble almost anything before it is brought under control.

Key to the Seasonal Report
1.Upper case (LEAST TERN) indicates a Casual or Accidental species in the state.
2.Species are listed in brackets [Whooping Crane] when there is a reasonable doubt as to its origin or wildness.
3.Bracketed text following a species’ name indicates the total number of north and south counties.
4.Dates listed in bold (10/9) indicate an occurrence either earlier, later, or within the three earliest or latest dates on file.
5.Counties listed in bold (Aitkin) indicate an unusual occurrence for that county.
6.Counties listed in bold and with an underline (Becker) indicate a first county record.
7.Counties listed in italics (Crow Wing) indicate a first county breeding record.
8.Totals in bold (150) indicate a total within or exceeding the top three high counts for that species.
9.Totals in bold-italic (55) indicate a CBC total within or exceeding the top three high counts for that species.
10.Dagger “†” preceding observer’s initials denotes written documentation was submitted.
11“ph.” denotes a species documented with a photograph.
12.“v.t.” denotes a species documented by video.
13.“a.t.” denotes a species documented by audio.
14.High counts that are multiples of 100 are assumed or known to be estimates, unless otherwide noted.
The Seasonal Report  is a compilation of seasonal bird sightings from throughout Minnesota. We particularly invite reports from parts of the state that have been neglected or covered lightly in past reports. To become a contributor, contact the Editor of The Loon (editor AT moumn.org).

Species

Information

Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks
Wood Duck
(Aix sponsa)
Our only report for this beautiful :luck c.:unc from Itasca Park, where Ralph Eisele found a female with 6 hnlf-grown young on July 21st.
Blue-winged Teal
(Spatula discors)
Risser and Rysgaard report two teal nests found June 3rd. One held 2 eggs and the other, 13 eggs. From st. Cloud came tho following short note by Hanson and Hiomonz: 11 J1.me 12th -nest and 10 broken eggs, the contents of which had been recently sucked out by s orne raiding marauder." Many observers reported broods of young, ·Tho Flicker, 1934 -P • 34
Gadwall
(Mareca strepera)
Robert Upson and Charles Du.Toit fo,md four large young accompanying adults of this species on June 22nd at Goose Lake, Polk County.
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)
Although a number of observers reported seeing broods of Jl)ung Mallards, the only nest with eggs was rcportocl by Alden Risser and Geo. Rysgaard, who found it on June 3rd. The contents vT•ere 13 eggs, 2 C of which were hatching.
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
The only r-eport for this graceful puddle duck came :rrom Woolsey, who found a nest with 5 eggs on May 12th near Fargo, No:rth Dakota, l~ss than 2 miles from Minnesota.
Hooded Merganser
(Lophodytes cucullatus)
Morse and Feeney found n brood of 11 full-gro\.n1 Hooded Mergansers in Itascn Perk on August 1st, and also saw "many more" after that date.
Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)
Our only records fer these two species came from Isle Royale, where Rysgo.ard saw them with young, in July. He stated that the Mergansers were very common.
Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)
Our only records fer these two species came from Isle Royale, where Rysgo.ard saw them with young, in July. He stated that the Mergansers were very common.
Ruddy Duck
(Oxyura jamaicensis)
Woolsey reported two nests of tho Ruddy, both of which were found across tho line in North Dru{oto., ncar Fargo. Tho first, discovered on June 24th, hold 3 eegs, while tho second was found nearly one month later, on July 22nd, when it contained 6 ecgs.
New World Quail
Northern Bobwhite
(Colinus virginianus)
No nes~Csr this species were reported. The earliest brood was already o fly when seen near Linwood by members of the M.B.c. who wen on the club expedition of June 16-17. Those present were Dr. c. C. Prosser, Mr. Clemens, Gustav Swanson, Leander Fischer, Na.rius Horse, Axel Hanson, Chorles Dl.lToit, Robert Upson, Alden Risser, Donald Hahle, Kenneth Carlnnd.er, and Charles Evans.
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa umbellus)
On the 16th of May, Morse found 2 nests of this species near Cloquet. One held 4 eggs and the other, 6, The latest nest contained 12 eggs when seen by Feeney on July 21st at Itasca Park. Hoi·Te'lfer, the nest was"desertod Ju~y 22nd and eggs were found to be infertile.11 \
Gray Partridge
(Perdix perdix)
A nest of this species containing 15 eggs and 2 eggs of the Rin~necked Pheasant~ was discovered b~ar Iaville, South Sakata, by Mrs. C. E. Peterson on June 5th. The Flicker, 1934 -f.36
Ring-necked Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus)
The first nest of this rcsplendunt sqU!Uter was found by Risser on }by 6th, when it held 3 eggs. Eisele reported the latest nest, one found on Hay 30th nnd containing 14 eggs.
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
The only nest of this species with cggs·was reported by Hanson from Lake \tlinnibigoshish. It contained 5 eggs on the 19th of June. Four do.ys later, at the same place, he found young about a week old.
Pigeons, Doves
Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
For the earliest. o.s well o.s the latest nest of thils amorous bird we must again turn to the indefatigable Hiemenz. em tho 27th of April he found a nest with 2 oegs at Pine Point, OJ:l(:l op tho 22nd of August he found a nest with two snall young at S1•• Cloud. ot the forty-four nests found by Hiemenz and Hanson thls. sea~on, seven vere placed on the ground. Dr. Prosser reports an unusual find ·in the form of a Mo"Qrning Dovet s nest with 3 ~:;ggs, found near Aftont Washington County, on June 11th. (See no'lio in ''Hero and There")
Cuckoos
Black-billed Cuckoo
(Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
Hi5llen~ found the only nest of this species report•3cl, near Cross Lake, on June 9th, when it held 3 eggs and one young bird.
Nightjars
Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor)
Throe young Common Nighthawks attain the distinction of being ~entioned in these pages. The first wo.s found by 1>11-s. E. o. vlilson near Montevideo on tho 12th of July. After an intensive search this youngster, not over four inches long, was located resting acid, and looking very much a part of, the surrounding vegetation. Entirely oblivious of tho honor of being found by a m~1ber of the M.B.c., tho drab little fellow just sat there motionless until he was touched, whereupon he rove~led his hitherto hidden energy by slightly raising an eyelid. Two other half-grown young found by Hnnson in St. Cloud on July 13th r.mst have como i'ron a line of intellectuals, for their interest in higher education had gained expression in the location of their hot1e on tho roof of the Cathedral High School.
Swifts
Chimney Swift
(Chaetura pelagica)
The only nest of this species included in the reports wns found by Hiemcnz in St. Cloud on Juno 15th, when it hold 2 fresh eggs.
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
(Archilochus colubris)
Two nests of this nnimated gen wc..•re included anong the records. The first was found by Swnnson and Prosser at Root Lake, Anoka County, on July 1oth, when it hold 1 egg. The second nest vm.s found by Prosser near Linwood Ul.ke on July.31st, when it wo.s under construction. On August 5th the bird was incubating.
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
KING RAIL
(Rallus elegans)
A very intorost~ng record is thnt of o. nest of tho King Rail found by vJoolscy on J no 9th in North Dakota. near Fargo. At this tirao it held 2 eggs, o.nd on the 24th of Juno thoro wore 7 eggs. This nest was deserted duo to the water going down, so tho £indor took one of tho eggs. Tho bird was not seen o.t any time no~ tho nest, but the egg wa.s taken to the Museum of No.turo.l History. of the University of Minnesota., where ~ditor Woolsey ru1d our ostirr~ble president, Gustav Swanson, very carefully measured it and ccmpo.rec1 it tdth musm.lLl spcciL1cns until, in tho opinion of those worthy gentlemen, thoro was little doubt as to its identity. This evidence, together vrith tho facts thnt tho nest fitted the published descriptions of o. King Rail's nest o.nd that o. King Rail wa.s seen nonr the site some tiL1e after the nest had been dosortec1, provin~ tho.t the species was at least present, seems adequate to substantiate this record as valid. The Dnportunco of this record is evident when it is realized that no nests o.re reported north of Hennepin County by Dr. Roberts in his, "Birds of I..fin.-·1esoto.. 11
Virginia Rail
(Rallus limicola)
Woolsey reported tho earliest nest of this species, one 'With 8 o{;;gs £ound near Vergas on Juno 3rd. The last nest was found near St. Cloud by Hiemenz o.nd Hanson on June 12th, when it contained 9 eggs.
Common Gallinule
(Gallinula galeata)
Rissci-and Rysga.nrd found a nest 'With 9 egc;s of' th13 gallinule on June.3rd. Another nest with 2 pipped eggs o.ncl 2 l:i.,rely youngsters 'Was loco.ted by Irene Jensen o.nd the writor on June ;~,3rd.
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
No nests with eggs were reported this year, but Ris:3er and Du.Toit found dow.ny young several clays old on the third of ~rune.
Cranes
Sandhill Crane
(Antigone canadensis)
Upson and DuToit contribute 0n interesting note about this species: "June 20, 19.34, Goose Lake, Polk County -The nest was situated in a marshy, rush-grown meadow a bout 20 yurds from o. sizeable grove • Surroundirig doa.d roods were prossed do"Wn over o. hummock, but no other attempt at a nest had boon made. Although tho ·two eggs had ha.tohcd when we located tho nest, ane wo.s nearly intact; one entire side ho.d been chipped out, but tho egg wns not broken in half. A co.ttlc herder who ho.d lo.st visited the nest on June 17th said tho eggs had not boon hc.tched o.t tho.t timc. 11
Plovers
Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus)
Mr. and Mrs. Swedenborg report the earliest nest, :t'oUJ.'ld by then on AprU 28th, 'When it held 4 eggs. On:LJuly 8th Mn.riu:3 ·Horse found, in his wanderings near Mille lacs Lake, a nest of i~his bird containing 2 newly-hatched young.and one egg. Perhap:3 the nost e~... traordinary find of the season is that of a Killde1i)J:>t s nest eontainingono egg of its owner and one Brown-headed Cowbird egg. It was found by Risser on a golf course near Sturgeon Lake on July '13th. The :f.'o.te of the young Brown-headed Cowbird is suggestoc1 by the follo'Winc; no·l;e which he supplies: "On tho 16th one of the boys noticed o. y1::>un.g bird in this nest, and the follovling morning I returned and found the bird still incubating, but thex-e ws only the Killdeer's egg :ror.lo.inj.nc. " FrOLl this we might sur:nise that the young Brown-headed Cowbird did not receive the proper care, such as he would have oxporicncod in ru1 altricial bird1s nest. This Brown-headed Cowbird's egg was noticeably lo:rt;or than the ordinary Brown-headed Cowbird's egg, and Risser conncnts, 11 Tho possibility of this so:,lowhat atypico.l Brown-headed Cowbird egg being a very atypic12l Killdeer egg has been considered, but I doubt this because of the typical passerine shape of the eg~ (rounded) the texture o:f' tho ogrz shell, nnd the color of the egg (white background with light brown markings) and the fnct that tho egg hatched. I do not think so small
Piping Plover
(Charadrius melodus)
I John Dobie's record of'.3 nests of this unusual spoi::dcs, each 'With 4 eggs, found June 15th on Oak Point, Lclte of tho 1:·Toqds, is one of our most interesting records. Club t1er.1bers will r1ei:1onber that the first Mix.u1esota breeding record of this species was es~ablished by Gust~v Swanson in 19.32 at Lake of the Woods.
Sandpipers
Upland Sandpiper
(Bartramia longicauda)
Two nests of this fine prairie bird were reported. On May 2oth Hiemenz found a nest with 1 fresh egc, near Hutchinson. The other nest was seen by ner.1bcrs of the M.B.C. who were on the trip to Linwood toke June 17 (see list under BOB-WdiTE). In addition to the above, a nest found near Revillo, S. Imk. by Mrs. Peterson contained 4 eggs on Juno 5th.
American Woodcock
(Scolopax minor)
'!'he only nest reported for this bird was that found by Ho.rius Morse ~thin the city linuts of Cloquet. It conta~ned 4~lggs. On June 9th Evans found one fru:1ily of six \1/oodcocks, includ:Lnc four largo young only slightly smaller than tho adults, and a:nothcr frunily of one adult o.nd two rather laree downy younG. These i•wo families -were not a quarter of a mile hp:lrt, but we:t-e nearly a uile i'rou -the place where vloodcocks are cor.monly observed courting. The flicker, 1934 -P.JS
Spotted Sandpiper
(Actitis macularius)
Several observers saw downy younc, but thoro were only two nests of this species repcrted. On June 12th Hieoenz found a nest with J eggs, near St. Cloud. Three days later, Dobie found a nest with 3 eggs on Oak Point, Lake of the ~ods.
Wilson's Phalarope
(Phalaropus tricolor)
The only report for this handsome shorebird came from Ha...llson and Hionenz, who found one broken egg lying on the ground at Little Rock Lake on June 7th. They were unable to find young or a nest, although the bird flushed three times from the same place.
Gulls, Terns
Herring Gull
(Larus argentatus)
P. o. Fryklund found JO nests of this beautiful scavenger on May 19th, when he visited GUll nock on Lake of the Woods. They held from 1 to 4 eggs, the average being J. Of a few eggs collected, all were fresh. Exactly a month later Dobie visited this colony and found both eggs and young. Only 15 nests were in use at that time. Mr. and Mrs. Swedenborg reported nests from Two Harbors, Lake County, on June 17th, and four days later, with Dr. Prosser, they found these Gulls nesting near Grand Marais.
Black Tern
(Chlidonias niger)
Risser and DuToit reported tho first nest of this bird for the Twin City area, found on June Jrd, at which timo it hold 2 eggs. On the same date Woolsey found several.nests ncar Vergas, OOJltitaining 2 and 3 eggs. A colony of 100 pairs, near St. Cloud, was visited by Hanson and Hiemenz on ·June 12th. "Three nests held 3 eggs each and 2 nests hold ono egg each. Many nests with incubating birds were nlfiO seen.11 On June 19th H!lllson foUnd many nests with *'fresh eggs 1;o young" at take Winnibigoshish.
Common Tern
(Sterna hirundo)
The only nests reported for this dainty fishermru1 were seen by John Dobie on June 15th a.t Oak Po:i.nt1 L.1.ke of tho Hoods. 113 nests with from 1 to J oggs comprised this colony.
Forster's Tern
(Sterna forsteri)
On June 5th Prosser discovered a nest containing 2 eggs of Forster's Torn at Heron Lake, Jackson County. l1r. and Mrs. Swedenporg make an interesting contribution concerning tP~s graceful sprite. 11 Three pairs carrying food out into a slough three miles east of Shakopee, July 7th. Impossible to investigate, but am convinced the birds were nestiqg there, though this is a considerable distance cast of their known breeding range in Minnesota. "
Loons
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
The first nest of this clarion-voiced fishe~ of our northern lakes was found by Jack Ha.."lson and Nester Hiemenz on Hay 13th near st. ClOUd, Stearns County. It was occupied 0y an incubc.ting bird. Our worthy editor, Ralph Woolsey, found tho latest nest of this species near Vergas ottertail Com1ty, on tho 3rd of June, when it held 2 eggs.
Cormorants
Double-crested Cormorant
(Nannopterum auritum)
Nests of this snake-necked fisherman were repcrtod from one locality, Gull Rock, on Lake of the vloods. On May 19th, P. o. Fryklund counted 140 nests with eggs varying in number from one to six, but averaging 3 or 4. Of a few eggs col1ec.ted, all were fresh. One month later, on the 19th of June, John Dobie's ornithological zeal brought him to this same colony, ~~erQ he found 130 nests containing from 1 to 5 eggs or youn~.
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
Least Bittern
(Botaurus exilis)
-On May 25th, at Little Rock Lnke, Morrison County, Hiomonz found o. nest of this slender, silent narsh....dwelle!', contni:n:ing 3 fresh eggs. On the 7th of June the sane observer and his shnrp..~~yed and diligent co-worker, Jack Hanson, visited the same le.ke and.fou..l'ld another nest of this species with the same nunbor of fresh eggs. 1
American Bittern
(Botaurus lentiginosus)
There are no records for the 11 Thunder-pUL'1pcr11 eJccep:t:, that of a bird flushed from a completed but enpty nest at Grand Like by Hiomenz on June 16th.
Black-crowned Night Heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax)
On Ms:ry 19th Hiemenz visited the colony at Hutchinson, 1-icLecn County, with Mr. Ehoi.l:1. About 60 pairs of herons were present, most of them rebuilding nests. One nest, however, held one fresh oeg. Dr. Clare C. Prost~er reports 2 nests found near NontroscJ, Stearns County, on August 9th. There were 6 or 7 adults and young :in the tree-topsnearby. · '
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
Four colonies were reported. The first, visited by Hanson and Hiomcnz, was located along the So.uk.tliver, 2, miles west of Rockville, Stenrns County. On April 8th it wo.s found to bo undorgoing repairs, the nests being rebuilt. A nest was investigated ru1d found to be empty. On April 22nd one nest hold 3 eggs and birds wore on ·nost cf the other nests; however, these observers report, "This colony seemed much smaller th~·it was last year, probably only about 40 pairs nesting." Another colony was visited by Hier.:enz, who writes, "On April 9th, the birds were bui).ding and the nests soened tiliaost ccnplete. They were all new structures, ns the fo.ruor living nearby said that all tho old trees with nests had boon felled during tho w:i.nter, having been dead. Thoro we~e possibly 75 pairs nesting." The third colony, located near Barnesville, Ottertail Count:{, \·!as visited on May 17th, and consisted of about 80 nests, r.1ost of which were probnbly or1pty. or about 10 nests investigated, one or two had 2 or 3 eggs, according to Woolsey, who visited tho colony. The latest rccke~r reported was seen by Mnrius Morse and his friend Feeney, on Au~st 1st at Itasca Pnrk. The nests, nunbering "probably over 10011, were perched in the tops of sene 80-foot Norway Pines. At this tir.1e all but 2 or 3 uere vncant. Nearly full-grown young were seen in two of the nests.
Osprey
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
The first nest of this species w~s reported by H;i.cmonz, vrho found it on June 9th near Cross Lake. Three eggs nestled in its lofty bosom. Morse and Feeney found the last nest at Ita.sca Park on July 31st, when it held "one, :perhaps more, nearly full-gro"Ym young. 11
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Northern Harrier
(Circus hudsonius)
On May 13th Hanson and Hiemenz set out to find the first Harrier's nest of the season. After locating one with 5 eggs they hunted around a little more and just to show how easy it was, they found tmother in the same slough (near St. Cloud). ·rhis also contained five eggs~ The last nest of the season was found by Upson on July 11th, when it hold four eggso
Cooper's Hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
On May 3rd DuToit and Upson found a nest containing 3 eggs of this darting scanp. Tho latest nest reported hold 4 eggs and was found by Hiemenz near Clearwater, \•Tricht County, on Hay 25th.
American Goshawk
(Accipiter atricapillus)
One of the prize observations of the season was turned in by Marius Morse, who reported a Geshnwk' s nest found April 10th, containing 3 eggs and located near Cloquet, Ccrlton County. Several dnys later it held four eggs. (See article in the May issue of tho Common Flicker describing this find.) V.rillia..'ll Webb also savr this nest.
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Four nests of this rmgnific~nt bird of prey were rClpbrted. On May 12th Marius Morse flushed an adult from a nest "a.bout which 1t circled,.uttering a peculiar squeakine noiso. 11 Contents of the nest which was 80 feet from the ground in a Norway Pin0, uere not know. This was near CutOFoot Sious Lake, Itasca County. Hienenz found a nost with 2 large young on Juno 9th near Cross Lnke, American Crow Wing County., On June 22nd Hanson saw a. nest with 2 half-grown younc; on Tamarack Point, Lake vJinnibigoshish. A ranger had previously taken another young bird from the nes·t for a pet~ so there were originally t,hree offs!)ring in this Roys.l Household, perched 93 feet high in the top of a Norway Pine. The latest nest was reported from Itasca Perk, where Eisele found 3 large young in a nest on June 28th. He reported that they left the nest about 2 weeks later. Feeney visited an Eagle 1 s nest (same one?) in Itasca Park on July 25th and found "fresh signs about tho nest. One full-grown young out of the nest. May have been a second young in it. 11
Broad-winged Hawk
(Buteo platypterus)
A nest with 2 eggs found by Hansen and Hiemenz en Hay 4th n{;la.r St. Cloud was the earliest record. This nest has been in usc since 1930, with the exception of 1933. The lust nest was seen by Eisele on July 20th at Itasca Park. It held 2 young.
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
The earliest and latest nests of this placid Buteo were report~~ by Hiomenz, from the St. Cloud rceion. On M.:u-ch 28th he discovered a completed but empty nest which, on the second of hpril, contained 2 fresh eegs. A nest with young found by the sane observer on the 2nd of Hny viaS the latest record. Hanson nnd Hior.1enz together reported a nest found near Rockville on April 22nd, containing 2 hatching eggs. They addt "Both birds of this pair l!Ore very lic;ht, pure white below and very light above, the tail showing only faintly red." This is probably the Club's first nesting record for Krider's Hnwk.
Screech-Owls, Owls
Eastern Screech-Owl
(Megascops asio)
To Hanson goes the honor for findint; both the eo.rl:iE~st and the latest nests of th:j.s little mcuser. On the 3rd of May he discovered a nest with 3 eggs and a month later, on the 3rd of June, he found a nest vdth young. Both of' these vero near St. Clt;,ud.
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
A number of obaeryers reported nests of this power:f:\11 terror of tho ni@t, but our friends from St. Cloud aaain lead th
BURROWING OWL
(Athene cunicularia)
Although no positive nesting records of this intore1~ting vosternor were reported, Upson and Du.Toit contribute tho fol:lowing note: "Juno 19, 1934, Lac guj. Parle County -Certain debris in iliho tunnel, such as bird ond a.nioal retlains, and the conduct of tho adults, indicated nesting; however, the number of eggs or yt)ung v.ro.s not ascertained as none were in sight o.nc1 the burrow w:a:s too long to permit reaching its end."
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
Two nests found near st. Cloud are interesting not only because they nrc the earliest ttnd latest recorded but also booo.uso they were both opon nests. On April 2nd, Hanson and Hiemenz located a nest with 2 young about a vel3k old. A nest with 2 young almost ready to fly was found by Hanson on May 5th.
Long-eared Owl
(Asio otus)
The only nest of the Long-oared Owl reported was found by Dick Jung nee.r Princeton, Mille Lacs County, on April 21st. Reposing in it were four fresh eggs.
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
(Megaceryle alcyon)
Hnnson and Hieuenz of St. Cloud report c. nest with 4 fresh eggs. found on May 15th. The latest nest wt'..S found by Nr. and Mrs. Mahle on Juno 24th. An adult was soon carryinG food into tho nest hole, but the contents were not investigated.
Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpecker
(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
The first nests of this flycatching, borry-pickine, egg-eating knnve were reported from St. Cloud. Hanson and Hicnenz reported "several nests" for May 16th. Mr. ond Mrs. Swec1onbore found the latest nest on July 1st, when it contained snall young. Hiat1onz observed sran.ll young out of the nest ~ich were still being fed, on Augus~ 22nd near St. Cloud.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus varius)
Woolsey reported Sapsuckers excavating on April 22nd in Itasca Park. Irene Johnson and the writer found 2 nests with noisy young on June 2.3rd. One of these was a full 30 feet from the ground while the other was only Jt feet high.
Downy Woodpecker
(Dryobates pubescens)
No early records of occupied nests of this species were reported, but on April 30th a bird was seen excavating in a half-finished nest ncar st. Cloud (Hiemenz). A nest with young was found Juno 17th at Linwood by members of tho bird club party (see list under HAIRY WOODPECKER). Rysgaard found a nest with young on Isle Royale near Lake Ritche, July 9th.
Hairy Woodpecker
(Dryobates villosus)
On April 6th Hiemenz found a Hairy excavating in a half-finished nest, but there were no records of occupied nests earlier than May 2oth. On that date a nest full of vociferous young was observed by a party of M.B.C. members including P.isser, Nahle, Upson, Du'loit, Kenneth Car lander and his father, and Evans. The latest nests were reported on June 17th from two localities. On this date a nest with young was found at St. Cloud by Hanson and Hiem..enz, and another nest with young was found by the bird club party at Linwood (see BOB-WHITE for list of members present.).
Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)
Tho o~liest nest of this many-nonickored woocpecker was found by Hiamenz near St. Cloud on May.3rd, when he discovered a bird excavating in a half-finished nest. On tho 13th, Hanson and Hiomenr found a nest with an incubating bird. The latest nest Wo.s r~ ·. ported by Risser. On June 27th he found ~ youne leaving their nest near Sturgeon Lake.
Pileated Woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus)
Tho only nest of this giant woodpecker included in the reports wus found by tho University ornithology class. Mrs. W. J. Bracken,.. ridge, a menber of the class, reported that the bird flushed fran the nest on May 7t·h and again on May 16th. The contents were not ascertained.
Caracaras, Falcons
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
Morse (he of the keen eyes and hearty laugh) found one of these diminutive falcons just afte~ it had loft tho protecting confines of its home, on the 28th of June.
Flycatchers
Great Crested Flycatcher
(Myiarchus crinitus)
Although no occupied nests of this militant inscctivor were found early in the season, there wore three "building11 records. Hnnson and m.emenz saw a bird oarr.y-'.Jlg 11esting material on May 13th, and a month later an almost-f:tnish.xt nest was found by Hn.nson. Both of those records were for Sts Clouj~ On May 31st, E~nns watched a pnir of these birds which wore in an amorous mood, carrying nesting material into a tree to tho accompaniment of much lovc-mo.king and fussing about. The latest nest was found by »tans when he frightened the one ~cmaining fledgling from its home in a birch stump near Alcxo.nd:r.in on July 6"'.ho ('~here w.1s no snakeskin in ·t.his nest.) Of tho mvny nests of this species reported, the one found by Woolsey at Itasca Park on April ~2nd, when it was still under construction but nearly completed, is tho earliest. On Mny 4th ~1rs. R,. o. Wilson saw adults carrying food but cculd not see into the nest. The last nest was noted by Eisele at I·casca Po.rk on July 21st, when it hold 4 oggs. Hiamenz reported a Eastern Phoebe's nest with 5 eggs, built on an old Barn Swallow's nest under a bridge (Hutchinson, Mny 19th). Another interesting record is that of H~~son and Hicocnz, regarding a nest with 5 small young found on May 28th ncnr St~ Cloud. June 13th this nest held only 1 Brown-headed Cowbird egg~ which wns removed. The next day
Western Kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis)
The only Mim1esota nests of this attractive spitfi:r';J ware reported by Hanson and Hiemenz. On June 3I'd thoy found a half-finished nest near st. Cloud; on the 20th the bird was incubating. June 10th Hiemenz found a nest which had just been started ~ad which held one fresh egg on the 19th. Not ten feet awo.y was an occupied Baltimore Oriole's nest, showing,that, though tho Eastern Kingbirds ru~o no doubt pugnacious, they don't mind neighbors that tend to their own bus• iness. Hanson found a nost containing 1 egg, near Avon, Stearns ::' County, on June 13th.-On June 5th Mrs. Peterson discovered a nest of this species, consisting of 4 eggs deposited in a deserted American Robin's nest, near Revillo, South Dakota. The Flic~, 1934-P~ 42
Eastern Kingbird
(Tyrannus tyrannus)
The first nests for this season vTere found on Jtme 'lOth, when Hiomenz at St. Cloud discovered a.n incubating bird and John Huseby at · Farm Island Lake, Aitkin County, fotmd a nest with 4 eggs. Tho credit for finding the latest nest must &leo be-divided, for CD July 4~h Hiamenz found a nest with 4 eggs near Pierz, Morrison County, while on it.he same day Mr. and Mrs. Mahle so.w an incubating bird near the Twin Cities.
Eastern Wood-Pewee
(Contopus virens)
The earliest nest of this doleful-sounding species was found by John Dobie'a.t Oak Point, Lnke of the vloods, on June 16th. Hanson of St. Cloud found the last nest on June 29th. On it was an incubating_ bird. Young out of tho nest, being fed, were seen at st. Cloud by Hiomenz on August 15th.
Alder Flycatcher
(Empidonax alnorum)
Mr. o.nd Hrs. Swedenborg reported a nest of this species with 1 egg, found ncar Onamia, Millo Lacs County, on June 1oth. No other nests were reported.
Least Flycatcher
(Empidonax minimus)
Of tho tk~Y nests of this demure, hoarse-voiced little flycatcher roportod, the earliest and one of the nest interesting was !cund by Hicnenz on Juno 1st nt Big \vo.t.a.b LD.ko. It hold 2 Brown-headed Cowbird eggs only, and the flyc~tcher wns incubating then~ The latest nest was found by Prosser nnd the Swedcnborgs near C~bridgc, Isru1ti County, on July 15th. It contained st1all young.
Vireos
Warbling Vireo
(Vireo gilvus)
On June 3rd Risser and Rysgaard found a nest with 1 egg of this species, n.nd anpther with 2 eggs. No nests were reported later than these found at Linwood on June 16th, one of which held 4 eggs. (See BOB-vlli!TE for list of observers) The Flicker, 1934 -P. 48
Red-eyed Vireo
(Vireo olivaceus)
Sever12l members of the Club (see list under BOB-WHITE) vrho journeyed to Linwood on June 16th and 17th sa'\lr a young, nearly grown, Chcwink out of the nest on the latter date. There were no other records for this bird.
Shrikes
Loggerhead Shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
Mr. and Mrs. Swedenborg found the earliest nest of 1ihis species on May 4th, when it held 4 ~ggs~ For the latest nest we must turn to St. Cloud, where Hanson found one on June 14th with 5 young ready to leave.
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
Although Hanson and Hicmenz found a completed but empty nest on April 26tP, near s;. Cloud, there wore no occupied nests recorded until Hay'9th.,. 0~ that <1.1.to E:i~clo found a nest ··~th 2 eggs. Hanson tmd Hicmenz found the. latest nost near st. Cloud on Juno 11th, when it held 1 fresh · ogg.
American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Tho earliest nest of this black fugitive ltlt\S found on.April 8th near Grand ~~e by Hanson and Hiomonz~ It was completed but empty on this date, but.on·April 22nd it hold 5 egGs• To Hi~enz must nlso go the' credit for tho last ne~t, which l·TO.s located in the r.1idst of a Night Heron colony nu(lr Hutchinoson ond·was the home of two large younG·when,seon on.Me~y 19th.
Chickadees, Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
(Poecile atricapillus)
Tho earliest occupied nest of this species held 5 fresh eggs when it wns discovered near St. Cloud by HiOI!lenz on Hay 13th. Swedonborg and Prosser watched young being fed in a nest more than 25 feet f'rom the ground on June 17th near Leon Lalw, Cook County.
Larks
Horned Lark
(Eremophila alpestris)
The first occupied nest was found by Rysgaard on Na.rch 27th. Throe hnlf-grown young nestled within its confines. Risser reported the latest nest, which contained 1 egg on April ~Oth, Two days later ho found, in place of the sunken cup-shaped nest, o. gopher hole, with the remains of the nest scattered thereabout.
Martins, Swallows
Bank Swallow
(Riparia riparia)
The fix'st occupied nest o£ this grcge.rious species 't-ras reported by Risser, who found it on l4a.y 19th at Frontenac. Fivo eggs were hidden at the end &f this burrow. Nearly a month previously, on April 22nd.. Hr. and Hrs. Mahle, Jensen and Evans had watched a Bank Swallow carrying t1dgs. Mr. and Hrs • Swe;denborg found several nests with young on July 4th, our latest date.
Tree Swallow
(Tachycineta bicolor)
Eisele reported the earliest occupied n~st of t~is species, found on May 20th. Its contents were 2 eggs. Prior to this, Hiemenz and Hanson had found nests on ~4a.y 3rd, 15th and 25th v:hich vmre not examined or were still empty. On Jul:r 4th Hru1son fortnd young leaving the nest to est~blish the ~eason s latest record for this species. "
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
Although Hiemenz found these bi!rds building near st. Cloud, as early as May! 1,7th, no occupied nests were reported before June 3rd, when Risser and Rysgaard, those redoubtable ramblers, imrestigated a nest containing 6 eggs. A nest with 5 eggs, found ncar St. Cloud on Juno 19th by Hiomonz, tvns the la.tost recorded.
Purple Martin
(Progne subis)
Hiemenz noted martins building on May 4th at st, Cloud, but it was not until June 22nd that Hanson investigated a nest at Lake vBnni• bigoshish ru1c1 found it to:,lconta.in 3 eggs.. No eo.rlier r.ecor,ds of occupied nests were reported. Hiemcnz and Hanson. oach 1reported several nests found in dead stumps sticking out of' the water. The latest nest of tho season was found by Jdm ·Huseby near Mille LD.es on August 3rd, when it contained young birds. · Thq Flicker, 1934-.Po 44
Barn Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
Tho first occupied nests tor the season were found "by Hiemenz at Hutchinson on May 18th. There were 8 nests under a bridge, two of 1which were investigated. One of these contained 2 :fresh eggs while tQo other was · eamplotod but empty. Tho latest }tlrrnosota record came from Eisele, who found a nest with 4 eggs on August Jrd. These hatched on August 9th.. Hiemenz found a nest with 4 large young on September 2nd in South Dakota, just across tho line from Browns Vnll~y, Traverse County.
Cliff Swallow
(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
The Swodcnborgs reported 6.pairs of these graceful swallows nesting again o.t the same place near MinnoapoJ.:is tho.t thoy have been seen previous years. Those birds,.,oro building on l!lay 5th a.nd incubat.!i.. -.. ing on May 19th. Prosser saw 2 young birds o.nd ono adult of this species perched on a 'Wire with mo.ny Tree Swallows, throe miles, north of McGregor, Aitkin County.
Kinglets
Golden-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus satrapa)
As in past yenrs, we turn to tho Swedenborgs for records of this tiny species. Mr. and Mrs. Swedenborg and Dr. Pros.sor found o. nest containing 6 sr.mll young at Common Loon Loko on June 19th.
Waxwings
Cedar Waxwing
(Bombycilla cedrorum)
A nest with one ogg, found near St. Cloud on June 19th by Hienenz, wo.s the earliest occupied nest reported. Eisele found the latest nest, containing 4 eggs, at Itasca Pork on July 27th.
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis)
'. ~sole supplied the only data on this interesting northerner, from Itascf,l. Park. On July 6th Dr• Dawson showed him 3 youn~ out of the nest, a.ccompan~cd by 2 adults.
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
The only occupied nest reported was found by Hanson and Hiemenz near. Fa.~r Haven on May 27th, when it contained young. There wore several reports of young out of tho nest, adults carrying food, etc.
Gnatcatchers
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
(Polioptila caerulea)
One of the most important finds of the year:;.r was nesting gnatcatchers. On Mn.y 25th, a. bird was seen gathering nesting naterial near Clearwater by Hiaoenz. A nest with 2 youne about a week old and 3 addled eggs was fotmd bear St. Cloud by Hanson and Hiemonz on Jtme 17th. The youne left the nest when it wa.s approached on June 22nd. Details of these interesting records will bo published in a sepnrnte article.
Wrens
Northern House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon)
A nur.1bor of. "building,records" were reported, tho earliest.. being Hay ·13th at st. Clpud (}Ianson and Hiemenz); but no occupied :nests were invost:i.gntcd until Hicnenz found one on.Juno 1st at Grand LD.ke with 6 fresh eggs. Ri'ssor found tho la.test nest on August 8th o.t Rush City, Chisago County. It wa.s filled by young sovero.l clays old.
Sedge Wren
(Cistothorus stellaris)
For some reason which is unknown, there t~s a very· marked dearth of records for this diminutive species. Mr. and Nrs. Swedenborg found a nest lined but empty on June 8th, btl.t it was destroyed the next day. This is our sole record for the season.
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Gray Catbird
(Dumetella carolinensis)
The first nest of this joyous singer was found at Frontenac on May 19th by Mahle, Risser, DuToit and Upson., Two eggs comprised its contents. Hiemenz wound up the season for this species by finding 3 nests on July 13th at St8 Cloud. One of these held 2 eggs, while the other t·uo each had four small young. Incidentally, Hicm.enz ~d his friend Hanson accumulated data on 53 Catbi.rd nests this. season.
Brown Thrasher
(Toxostoma rufum)
To Hiemenz goes the credit for both the earliest and latest nesting records of this musical contortionist. On May 20th he found 2 nests at Hutchinson with 2 and 4 eggs respectively, and on the 19th of June he located a nest
Starlings
European Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Th~t this obnoxious invader is steadily increasing in our fair state is evidenced by the following nesting reports: A n1ast t-tith vociferous young wo.s fou..l'ld by Risser, Mahle, Upson, Du.Toit, Carlander. and Evans on May 20th at Ydesvillo, near Hastings. Prosser found n. po.ir in a oartin box at La.kellllllc1 and also observed thorn nesting in a woodpecker hole at Point Douglas, during May, in Washington County. Near st. Cloud nests were found in two pla.ces. On June ·;._;-~ ~19th Hiemenz found a nest where it was impossible tc investigate the contents, and on June 27th Hanson and Hiemenz :found a nest under construction and nearly conpleted. Common YellowthroatED VIRIO The finding of the first n~t was accomplished by Mrs. ~~le on the 20th of May, and therein lies a tale. It seems that this c~ ely young lady was deserted by her husband on that par·Gicular weekend, as he was journey1ng elsewhere in search of ornithological experiences. Whereupon she and her girl friends planned a bird trip of their ovm; but when the appointed hour arrived, only a slender yom>.g lassie named Jensen was at hand to join tho :resourcef'ul Mrs. Mahle; and alas, this damsel too had to leave when the shadows grew long and the moon shone bright. Undaunted even by desertion, courageous
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)
Eisele found the earliest nest of this soft-spoken bird on Apri1 29th, when it held 2 eggs. Mr. and Mrs. Swcdcnborg reported tho latest nest (July 4th, 7 eggs) for this species. We wonder if this last pair were tryinB to na.ke up for the decreased nunber of young in drought-stricken areas.
Veery
(Catharus fuscescens)
The enrliestnest of the Veery \oTas found by Hiemcnz near Clearwater on ~25th. Besides 3 eegs of tho thrush, it held one Brown-headed Cowbird egg. Morse reported a nost remarkable case of Brown-headed Cowbird pnrnsiti&l for this sp~cios. On July 7th nt Mille Lacs Lake he found n Veery's nest \odth 2 thrush eges and 8 Ccwbird eggs. He explains, "This nest was in a very nuch exposed 3-foot spruce tree, not nore than 15 feet fron n winding roa.d through the woods. Apparently 4 different Brown-headed Cowbirds had laid one or nero eggs." A Veery's nest pla.ced ouch a.s one would expect to find that of a Wood Thrush wns found in an elderberry bush about 3 or 4 foot fron the (;Tound by nwbcrs of tho Linwood expedition (see BOBWHITE). Two oggs were in tho nest on June 17th. The la.test Vecry1s nest was seen on July Z5th at Itasca Park by Eisele. It held 2 eggs.
Hermit Thrush
(Catharus guttatus)
This caroler of the sylvan solitudes was found nesting at Cloquet by Feeney who, on June 8th, located a nest with 2 eggs and a Brown-headed Cowbirdt s egg. The last nest, found on July 21st a.t Itasca Po.rk by s~. •·.• ]asele, contained 3 eggs. The Flicker, 193/+'!'·46 OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH This elusive thrush yielded to the ornithological zeal of Dr. Prosser nnd Nr. and Mrs. Swodenborg this year. Tho former reported their find as fellows: "Caribou Lake, Cook County, Juno 21st nnd 2~1d --Three nests of this thrush wore found along the west shore of one arm of the lake. They were nll in small Bnlsruns 8 to 10 feet from the ground. The first one had been robbed, the shell of one egg on the ground telling the tale. The second \olD.S complete but empty, nnd the third, to change our luck, disclosed four eggs."
Wood Thrush
(Hylocichla mustelina)
Tho earliest ncstsof this soul-stirring songster '1ore found by Risser and Rysgaard on June 3rd. Of tho two nasts they found, one held 2 eggs and small young, while in the other wc~ro 3 Brown-headed Cowbird eggs and one egg of tho thrush. Mrs. Wilson supplied tho latest record from 11ontevideo, that of a nestling still being fed on July 4th. Prosser found two interesting nests at Afton on ~rr1e 1Ith. Both were in vines about 9 feet from the ground and contained very little mud. They were about 300 feet apo.rt and each contained a Brown-headed Cowbird t s egg besides their respective 4 and 2 thrush eggs.
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius)
The earliest record for the American Robin came from Mrs. ~Tilson, who found a nest being built on April 19th at l11ontevideo, Chippewa County. On the 25th the bird was incubating. The last oc:cupiod nest was seen on July 29th at Sturgeon Lci{e by that buoyru1ii youth called Risser. His lmack for always being at tho right place at the right time is well typified by this example, for he happened upon the aforementioned nest at the very time that the fledglings were leaving it. On August 5th l"JI'. A. C. Rosenwinkel saw 2 very large young nestlings (or ox-nestlings) out of a nest which he says they probably loft.on August 3rd or 4th. }1rs. Wilson included an interesting comment with her records: nmost of the American Robin IfeStf! in this locality contained only 2 eggs and in nearly every case only one nestling reached maturity. Probably this was due to our drought conditions.11
Old World Sparrows
House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
Only four records for this pugnacious foreigner were roportcd. On Mo.y 1st Hicmenz found o. nest at St. Clouci. \.J"hich harbored large young. August 2nd he investigated a nest with 5 fresh eggs nenr Pierz, and August 23rd he found a nest with 3 fresh eggs.
Finches
Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)
Two nests of the Purple Finch ·vrero reported. Hanson found one containing 1 fresh egg on June 20th, at Lake Winnibigoshish. The other was found by Mr. and Mrs. Swedenborg nnd Dr. Prosser at Caribou Lake on June 22nd1 when it held 3 eggs. Eisele vratched an e.dult carrying nesting material at Itasca Park on July 1st.
American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
A nest with 3 eggs, found by Risser at Sturgeon Lako on July 11th, was the first record of an occupied nest this season. On a much earlier date (May 25th) Hanson and Hiemenz saw a American Goldfinch co.rrying nesting material near St. Cloud. Tho latest nest, with eggs held 4 when found by Hiemenz on August 31st at St. Cloud. The same observer discovered a nest containing a young bird ready to leave the nest on September 16th, P. 53 also at St. Cloud. This fledgling was blind, so one of Hiomen1z' friends took it home~ but it died the nest motning.
Towhees, Sparrows
Grasshopper Sparrow
(Ammodramus savannarum)
A number of nests of this species were found on June 17th ut Linwood by members of the Bird Club (see list under BOB-wriiTE). Two of these nests held 5 eggs each. No other reports were received.
Lark Sparrow
(Chondestes grammacus)
Our only data on occupied nests comes from St. Cloud. lliemcnz found a nest on June 22nd, when it held 3 eggs. vJhen he revisited it on June 27th, one egg had hatc:hed,.another wns hatching, and the third wo.s gone, but o. fresh Brown-headed Cowbird's egg had been added. He points out that it is not improbc.ble that the Brown-headed Cowbird r~1oved the missing egg..Another nest ifit,h 3 eggs was found by Hiemenz and funson on June 27th. Mr:::. ~Jilson saw young able to fly but still being fed, on July 15th at Hontovideo.
Chipping Sparrow
(Spizella passerina)
Of tho many nests of the 11Chippy11 report~;.:d, the earliest held only 1 broken egg when found by Hanson o.nd Hiemenz near St. Cloun on May 16th. Several observers repc~tod occupied nests found on May 22nd. The latest nest was~ fcund by Eisele on July 21st at Itasca Park. The Flicker, 1934 -P. 54
Clay-colored Sparrow
(Spizella pallida)
F..iemcnz reported both tho cn.rlj_cst and la.tvst nests of this sparrow. The first held 4 fresh eggs when he found it on June 1st nen.r Grn.nd Lake. On July 5th he found 2 nests, on.ch with 2 eggs and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird egg. These were soon nen.r Pierz.
Field Sparrow
(Spizella pusilla)
Mr. and Mrs. Swcdenborg reported the en.rlicst nest, which held 4 eggs on !·by 30th; nlso the lntost nest, contn.ininc 2 fresh eggs, on June 29th. Prosser found young out of the nest but unable to fly on August 14th nt Kinikinic, Washington County.
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis)
-The first no-;t of this species held 4 large yovng when found June 19th at Common Loon Lake by Mr. and Mrs. Swodenborg and Dr. Prosser. This nest was built in a hollow left when a rock ho.c1 dislodged • from a roadside bank about 3 feet f'ron1 tho level of the road. The young left the nest on June 21st. The lo.t.est nest held 3 eggs and 2 Covrbird eggs when found on July 11i;h by Feeney at Itasca Park.
White-throated Sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis)
Morse found tho earliest nest, situated under a fallon spruce nen.r a crook, while it wn.s yet unfinished, on 1-.:lay 27th at Cloquet. Risser found the last nest at Sturgeon Lake on June 28th when it held 1 egg and tvro Brown-headed Cowbird eggs.
Vesper Sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus)
A nest 11Jith 4 eggs, found May 15th by Hanson and Hiem.enz • vro.s 'tlhe earliest this year. The latest nest '\lras found by Risser on J ly 23rd, when the young were hatching. (be had just omer• ged from the ~gg when the good man arrived, nnd another egg remained yet unhatched.
Savannah Sparrow
(Passerculus sandwichensis)
1-1r. and :rrs. Swodonborg found t.ho earliest Savrumc.h' s nest on Nay 25th~ when it held 4 eggs. The latest occupied nests·were found on June 2oth in Pennington County by Du~~oit and Upson. Of 2 nests located, one contained 4 eggs nnd tho other, 4 young.
Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia)
HictJ.onz gets the honors for finding the earliest nnd latest nost of this, the last species en our list. On Hay 11th at st. Cloud he found 2 nests, with 2 eggs, and 3 eggs and 1 C01·rbird1s egg respectively. These lnst two nests, ns well as 3 others found by Hanson and Hiemenz on July 20th, were in bushes, one of them beinG in vines 6 foot fran the ero,md. A nest found by Dr• Prosser and Mr. and l1rs. Swedenborg on June 21st was interesting because of the great difference in marking of its two eggs. One was so heavily spotted and blotched th~t the greonj_sh background was nearly concealed, while the other was vory lightly mn.rkod.
Swamp Sparrow
(Melospiza georgiana)
Hicmenz found the first occupied nest of this species on June 1st at Grand Lake. On this date he found 2 nests wit.h 1 and 3 eggs respectively. The latest nests were found by members of the M.B.C. eA~edition to Linwood (see n~es under BOB-WHITE). Three of these nests held 4 young, 4 eggs, and 2 eggs and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird egg.
Blackbirds, Orioles
Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
The earliest nests were found on June.3rd, when Risser and Du.Toit came upon a nest with 4 eggs and another 'dth 3 young. On the same date Woolsey discovered several nests, each with 3 eggs, ncar Vergas. A nest with 4 eggs found by Hanson on J~e 23rd at Lake Winnibigoshish constitutes the latest record.
Bobolink
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
n nest of this joyous scngster, with 2 Colrbird eggs and 2 of the ower's, was found by Hanson and Hiemenz at Little Rock Lake on June 7th. Another Bobolink egg lay broken on the ground beside the nest--probably the work of the Brown-headed Cowbird. No nests \.J"ere found later than June 17th, on which date the memorable. expedition to Linwood occured (refer to enumeration of participants' names under BOB-WHITE). Two nests were recorded on this trip; one with 5 eggs and another with 2 eggs and three young.
Eastern Meadowlark
(Sturnella magna)
For some strange reason only one nest of this common species was reported. That was found by Jensen and Evans on June 23rd, when it held three eggs.
Western Meadowlark
(Sturnella neglecta)
Eisele found the first nest of this species on l~y 2oth, when it held 4 eggs. A young l'Testern Meadowlark just out of the nest was seen by Mrs. Wilson on July 10th at Montevideo.
Orchard Oriole
(Icterus spurius)
The only record for this bird was supplied by Hanson and Hi.Bnenz, who ·found an adult male feeding one young bird just out of the nest, in the tourist park at St. Cloud on June 26th.
Baltimore Oriole
(Icterus galbula)
The earliest nest of this brilliant whistler was found by · Hiemcnz on May 22nd while it was still under construction. On Jube 5th it held four eggs. \ P. 51 On this dnte Hanson and Hiemenz investieated throe ~~ther occupied nests. A nest with small young, found on July 4th neo.r Pierz by ' Hiomenz, was the latest nest reported. I
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
Prosser found the earliest nest of this species on May 12th, when it held 1 egg each of the ower: and of the Brown-headed Cowbird. Two nests with 3 small young and 4 large young respectively were found on July 5th near Pierz by HiEillenz. This observer and his friend Hanson hnd a rather good season with tho Red-wings, finding n good number of nests, of which they reported 89.
Brown-headed Cowbird
(Molothrus ater)
A Brown-headed Cowbird's egg in o. Killdeer's nest was the queerest record reported this season. It was seen by Risser atsturgoon Lake on July 13th. (See KILLDEE..ll for det..1.ils) The most astonishing record concerning this post was turned in by Mo~so, who found a Veery's nest with 2 eggs and 8 Qo,vbird eggs on July 8th at Mille ' Lacs Lll.ko. (For details see WILLOVJ TERU$H). A good example of heavy infestation is Prosser's record of a "dozen o:r uore" Red-eyed Vireo nests found at Linwood, every one holding at. least one Brown-headed Cowbird egg. The reports by Hio::nenz and Ronson incl.ud.e, some intor._ esting Brown-headed Cowbirds notes. They found 2 nests (Redstn~t and Least Flycatcher) each of which contained nothing but 2 Brown-headed Cowbird eggs, which wore being incubated. On June 1st., Hicmcnz fotmd a Song Sparrow's nest with ".3 young about a weell: old ·(IJld 2 aJ.most-fretili Brown-headed Cowbird's egg." This indicates that tho Cpwbirc1 probably laid an egg in a nest containing young birds. A second Sc·nts· Sparrow's nest found by the srune o1)se:rver on Juno 1st hold ~: er;rss and 4 :,.. ·,: Brown-headed Cowbird eggs. Tho latter vere of two types, indic:ating that 2 '.::.. Brown-headed Cowbirds must have used the nest, if that is a reliable way to judge. · Tho earliest Brown-headed Cowbird egg was found May 11th in a Song Sparrow's nest by Hiemenz and tho latest date was July 13th, when
Brewer's Blackbird
(Euphagus cyanocephalus)
The earliest nest of this species t-m.s found Nay ~Oth at Hutchinson by Hiemenz. It contained 1 egg. Menbors o:£ the Linwood expedition of the,M.B.c., including Prosser, Morse, 'and Hanson, found a. rest with 3 addled eggs and 2 young birds on Juno 16th, the latest date for Brewer's Blackbird.
Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
One nest of the "American Crow Balekbird11, w1th two egg.s, and several others, "unfinished or recently completed, were found by Hioraenz at St. Cloud on May 1st. Tho latest occupied nest wns found by Mr. and Mrs. Swodenborg and Dr. Prosser at Caribou La.l~.e on Juno 22nd1 when it held 4 eggs. l'h-s. t.filson found grackles f'oecling young just out of the nest on July 10th at Montevideo.
Warblers
Louisiana Waterthrush
(Parkesia motacilla)
Kenneth Carlander found a vcr;r intercstin~ nest of this species on May 19th. On that date it contained 11 eggs, althourh this bird usually lays only 4 to 6. On Juno 3rc1 this nest wn.s seen again by Carlandcr and DuToit ancl found to contain only 9 eggs. Although the incubation period for this bird is supposed to be 12 to 14 days (Forbush), the second visit to the nest was 15 days after tho first and yet there were no young in the nest.
Northern Waterthrush
(Parkesia noveboracensis)
To Mr. and Nrs. Swodenborg nncl Dr. Prosser goes tho credit for finding tho first Minnesota nest of this species. They located it at Caribou Lake_, Cook County, on June 22nd, when it hold 4 eggs. A1though this species had been seen l:lany times prmriously during ~ the breeding season o.nc1 even found feedinc: young in tho northern part of tho state, the nest had not been found before in Minnesota.
Golden-winged Warbler
(Vermivora chrysoptera)
A female of this species was seen carrying food by Prosser near Lim1ood on June 28th. No nests were found. ·
Black-and-white Warbler
(Mniotilta varia)
A nest of three well-developed young was found by Prosser at Ham Lake, Anoka County, on June 9th. Two of tho young lest the nest on being disturbed.
Nashville Warbler
(Leiothlypis ruficapilla)
Our record for this species comes from Prosser, who saw a Nashville Warbler feeding a young Brown-headed Cowbird out of the nest on July 25th at Lake Minnowawa, Aitkin County.
Common Yellowthroat
(Geothlypis trichas)
The earliest nests of this species were found in t,.,o localities on June 8th. Near Cross Lake a nest with 5 trash egga was found by Hiemenz, while another nest with 4 eggs was found by M:r. and Mrs. Swedenborg. The latest was found June 17th n.t Linuood• where / severell nests of this bird wore found by the Club o~:podition (see Ust under BOB-WHITE). One of these held 5 eggs o.nd another 1 egg and ' young of various sizes, the smallest just emerging laboriously from the egg.
American Redstart
(Setophaga ruticilla)
The earliest nost was found on M..'1y 31st ncar St. Cloud by Hiemenz. Although there were only 2 Brown-headed Cowbird eggs in it, the female American Redstart wns on the nest. The latest record also comes fr~a st. Cloud, where Ha.naonnmd Hiemonz round a nest ~ontaining 3 eggs on July 2oth. The Fllakar, 1934.. P. 50
Cerulean Warbler
(Setophaga cerulea)
One of the season's most unexpected discoveries was ronde by Prosser when he found a number of Cerulean Warblers nesting ncar Linwood, Anoka County. Details will be presented in a separate article at a later date. The reported nests were June 13th, nest and 1 egg (Prosser); June 20th, nest with 2 eegs and one large young (soe list of observers under BOB-WHITE); Juno 24thi building (Hilton Thompson nnd Prosser); and June 27th, feeding young in nest (Douglas Campbell and Prosser). P. 49
Blackburnian Warbler
(Setophaga fusca)
One youne of this richly-colored species wn.s seen by Eisele, being fed at Itasca Park on July 18th. CHEETNUT-SIDED WARBLER Our only record for this sp'eeies also comes Prosser found a pair building on Juno 29th. eggs on July 3rd. from Linwood, where Their nest held 3
Yellow Warbler
(Setophaga petechia)
Of the many reported nests of this common species, the first ones occupied were found May 25th by Hiemcnz and Hanson near St. Cloud. Of the five nests seen by them that day 3 were not quite completed and t,ro held 2 and 4 eggs respectively. Tho latest nest hold 2 Warbler eggs and 3 Brown-headed Cowbird eggs when found by P~sser near Sturgeon Lake on July 5th.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
(Setophaga caerulescens)
Two nests of this species add considerably to the value of this year's report. The first was found at Common Loon L'llca on June 18th by Nr. and Mrs. Swedenborg ond Dr. Prosser. It hold four eggs. Two days later, on June 20th, Hr.nson found a nest holding four halfgrovm young, near Lake ~Hnnibigoshish.
Pine Warbler
(Setophaga pinus)
Risser found a nest of this tree-top trillor, unde:r.-construction on July 5th at Sturgeon Lake. OVEN-BIRD The earliest occupied nest of this plain warbler ~ls found by Russell Johnson near Grand Marais on Juno 17th; whion its contents were 4 young and 1 egg. The latest nest was report.od by P.rosser an,c1 found by Douglas Campbell a.t Linwood Lake on July 91~h, when it held 3 eggs.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Setophaga coronata)
The only nest reported for this species was found by Rysgaard on Isle Royale on July 9th, but its inaccessibility prevented him from determining its contents• On Juno 22nd Mr. and Hrs. Swodcnborg and Dr. Prosser observed Yellow-rumped Warblers feeding yoU11g out of the nest near Caribou Lake. A young Brown-headed Cowbird out of the nest was seen being fed by adults of this species on July 25th near Lake Minno· wawa by Dr. Prosser.
Black-throated Green Warbler
(Setophaga virens)
Eisele reported 2 young of this species being fed out of the nest at Itasca Park on July 11th.
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks
Scarlet Tanager
(Piranga olivacea)
The e&rliest nest of this beautiful bird had 1 egg when found by vloolsey on June 2nd atVergas. He remarks, "The female was so tame she nearly had to be lifted from the nest in order to ascertain its contents." Prosser and Swanson saw the latest nest at Linwood on July 7th, when the bird was incubating.
Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)
A nest with 3 eggs, found by Risser on April 22nd, was the earliest record for this jaunty fellow. Our latest record came from Prosser, who reported a nest with 2 eggs, seen by Roy Thompson on July.31st.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
(Pheucticus ludovicianus)
The first occupied nest of this species vras found at Hutchinson on May 19th by Hiemenz. Its contents were 2 grosbeak eggs and one Brown-headed Cowbird egg. · Dr. Prosser and Mr. and Mrs. Swedenborg found the last nest on June 20th at Common Loon Lake. It was well-filled by 3 large young.
Indigo Bunting
(Passerina cyanea)
Only one occupied nest of this beautiful bird was roportc~. This was found by members of the H.B,C. expeditiol'l to Linwood (see list under BOB-1-l!UTE) on June 16th. It held one large Brown-headed Cowbird nestling. Hiemenz found several nests before they contained eggs, the first on June 4th at Clearwater being completed but empty.
Dickcissel
(Spiza americana)
A1though this was not a "Dickcissel year11, Hianenz managed to locate five nests of this species in one day, near Pierz, on July 5th. "The contents were as follows: 3 large young and 1 n.ddled egg; 3 eggs; 4 eggs; 2 f'resh eggs; and 1 egg. The nests \-tore all placed in bushes or weeds from 10 inches to ~feet from the ground. There also were two pai~s present with young just out of the nest and barely able to fly. 11 ~o other nests were reported.